Gay-row bishop not to face 'hate' charge

A BISHOP who said gay people should seek medical help will not face prosecution under hate laws, police said. The Rt Rev Peter Forster, Bishop of Chester, caused outrage when he said some gay people should "re-orientate" themselves through psychiatry.

A BISHOP who said gay people should seek medical help will not face prosecution under hate laws, police said.

The Rt Rev Peter Forster, Bishop of Chester, caused outrage when he said some gay people should "re-orientate" themselves through psychiatry.

Cheshire police investigated the claim after an official complaint but said no crime had been committed.

A spokesman said: "The issues raised by the complainant have been examined.

Sexuality

"The Crown Prosecution Service has been consulted at length and Cheshire police are satisfied that no criminal offence has been committed, as current public order legislation does not provide specific offences based on sexuality."

The Public Order Act of 1986 made it a criminal offence to incite racial hatred - but its provisions do not extend to sexual orientation.

Police said they would speak to Dr Forster, who diocese runs as far as Stockport and Dukinfield, to explain that he would not face charges.

Speaking last week, Dr Forster said: "Some people who are primarily homosexual can re-orientate themselves. I would encourage them to consider that as an option but I would not set myself up as a specialist on the subject. That is in the area of psychiatric health."